John L. starts appearing as a witness to deeds involving his father and uncle in 1828. Probably still in his father’s household in 1830, though the census record is uncertain. He married in Elizabeth Travis in 1833. They had Delphy about 1834 and possibly more children who either died young or lived elsewhere by 1850. Since John is not found alone in Todd County or back in Stewart Co, TN in 1840, possibly he and Delphy are the 20-30 year old male and 5-10 year old daughter are the otherwise extra members of his father’s household. (The 20-30 year old male may also be John’s brother William, but he would not be listed if the censustaker incorrectly identified residents as of the date of the enumeration rather than 4/1, since he died later in April.)[ [2]]

A profile of his grandson says he came to Todd County “early in life” and spent a short time in Arkansas.[ [752]] Since his father had just moved there, maybe they were visiting when daughter Henrietta was born?

1840 KY: None in Todd. John B in Scott 064. (6/9/97) Not in Stewart Co. with father or alone. (1/25/03)
1850 Todd, KY: John L. 38; Frances 40; Delphy 16; Henrietta T 7; Malvina G. 5; William T. 3; John J. 2. (p. 279) (6/9/97) 5 slaves (1/29/03)
1860 Todd, KY: J.L. Addkins, 48 TN (10,000/20,000); F.A. 50 VA, H.T. 16, Gilla M. 15, F.T. 12, J.J. 11, George 9 (Elkton, 9/15/60, p. 857) (10/22/03)
1870 Todd Co, KY: John L. Atkins 58 TN farmer (8020/1100), Frances 60 VA; J...? J. 21 KY; George L. 18 KY (Allensville, p. 313, 8/25/1870) (near uncle Henry) (2/1/04)
1880 KY Sdx: John L. Atkins 68 TN; Francis 70 VA; George L. 28 KY; Louis, John and Charley Shields. no rel listed. (Gardensville, Logan County. Vol 19 ED 169 p. 30.) (6/9/97)